Nov 1 (Reuters) – Serial entrepreneur Oleg Tinkov has renounced his Russian citizenship, saying he doesn’t wish to be related to “fascism” or individuals who collaborate with “killers”.
In an Instagram put up revealed on Tuesday, the 54-year-old founding father of Tinkoff Financial institution wrote: “I made a decision to surrender my Russian citizenship after Russia invasion of unbiased Ukraine. I’m in opposition to this struggle, and the killing of peaceable folks.”
Tinkov, whose upstart digital bank card firm, TCS Group Holding (TCSq.L), grew to develop into one in every of Russia’s largest monetary establishments, has been an outspoken critic of the invasion and President Vladimir Putin.
He was compelled to promote his 35% stake in TCS, Tinkoff Financial institution’s guardian, to Russian metals magnate Vladimir Potanin in April, following a string of anti-war feedback.
Tinkov mentioned an authentic Instagram put up revealed on Monday, with an image of a certificates renouncing his citizenship as of Oct. 26, had “mysteriously disappeared”.
Tinkov additionally mentioned on Tuesday he was suing to pressure the financial institution to cease utilizing his identify.
“My identify shouldn’t be related to fascism,” Tinkov mentioned. “I hate when my model/identify is related to the financial institution that collaborates with killers and blood.”
The financial institution, for its half, mentioned it had full authorized rights to using the Tinkoff model, the TASS information company reported.
The tycoon, who has likened himself to British billionaire Richard Branson and was price virtually $10 billion at his peak, launched electronics, frozen meals and beer manufacturers earlier than establishing Tinkoff Financial institution within the mid-2000s.
Earlier than he bought his stake, Britain imposed sanctions on Tinkov, saying he was “receiving advantages from the Russian authorities” by way of his stake in a systemically necessary firm.
Tinkov is believed to dwell in London, the place he underwent years of remedy for leukaemia. He says he now has no enterprise pursuits in Russia.
Tinkoff beforehand held U.S. citizenship, however renounced that across the time Tinkoff Financial institution went public in 2013 in what Washington mentioned was an try to keep away from tax liabilities.
Tinkov reached a $500 million settlement with the Justice Division final 12 months.
Reporting by Reuters; Enhancing by Kevin Liffey
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